Prusic Loop Diameter

[Salty]

I bought some Zing-It 1.75 MM line to make some tarp ridgelines. I planned to use the same Zing-It to make prusik loops and attach those to the ridgeline, so I could attach my tarp via the prusiks. I read that ideally the prusik loop and standing line should be a different diameter for greatest holding power.

Will having the loops and line the same diameter line be a problem in this application? Has anyone used all Zing-It?

I also ordered some 7/64 Amsteel Blue. It sure looks larger than 7/64 to me just sitting in the box. Is that common? Is the 7/64 diameter measured under tension?

Thanks!

Salty

[sclittlefield]

You can use the same size on Zing-It for the prussik, just give it at least three turns and leave room to add another turn if you find it's necessary. The standard 2 turn prussik won't work well with this stuff.

I agree on the Amsteel Blue - 7/64ths looks larger than most 1/8th line to me.

[ikemouser]

Salty, finish your prussic like this for maximum strength, after 4 turns or so:

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...7&postcount=53

From the thread "Knot info", if you have problems, pm me. glad to help a new user.

[gargoyle]

Scott's right zing it on zing it will work. I found four turns/wraps hold best.

[Salty]

Thanks, guys. I appreciate the help.

Salty

[turnerminator]

I've always used at least 6 wraps!

I don't know if this is right, but they have never slipped or jammed.
I always like to 'overdo' things.

[opie]

3 wraps using 1.75 as both the main line and prusik will slip between 25 and 30 pounds.

3 wraps using a 1.75 prusik on 2.2 main line will slip between 35 and 40 pounds.

I use 3 wraps on my guy lines and TRL prusiks other than the figure 9 prusik in which case I use 4 wraps.

Ike, that prusik looks far more involved than is neccesary. Slip is not the enemy in your tarp cordage. Unless you would rather tear up your tarp as opposed to being bothered by having to re-tension a line.

[ikemouser]

The only difference with that prussic and he ones your talkig about is that when your done u just put it through the middle, takes 5 seconds. The only issue I see with it is the it may be too strong as opie said.

[ikemouser]

I've often wondered, what about attaching a small length of elastic somehow to compensate for strong winds. The tarp would snap back into place when the wind was gone, and you would reduce the risk of ruining the tarp.

[opie]

If you dont pull your guy lines to max extension, they serve as the buffer you are referring to.

However, they can also allow enough movement that an otherwise tight pitch may have forced a strong gust around the tarp rather than catching it like a sail.